
PZ 5 
.L717 


V FLANAGAN COMPANY 


.. 

Sc^v «... s . - ... - 




f I'jF: .-S 


tllfflPfli 










The Little Classic Series 

The most popular works of standard authors and poets ^ 
arranged for use in schools, with introductions, explanatory 
notes, biographical sketches, portraits, and illustrations. 

Also elementary stories of nature, myth, history, industry, 
geography, biography, and literature. The grading sug- 
gested has been extensively followed by teachers with very 
satisfactory results, but may be varied to suit special 
conditions. 

The books have been carefully edited, are clearly printed on 
good paper, and have extra strong paper cover. Each book 
in the LITTLE CLASSIC SERIES contains thirty-two pages. 


SEVEN CENTS PER COPY 

Twenty Copies for $1.20 


First and Second Grades 

No. 

2719 Aesop’s Fables. 

2713 Old Time Stories. 

2725 Favorite Mother Goose Rhymes. 

2707 First Steps in Reading. 

2701 Jack and the Beanstalk. 

2726 Favorite Mother Goose Jingles. 

2720 Little Red Riding Hood. 

2727 Story of Little Black Sambo. 

2708 Bunny Cottontail Stories. 

2728 Ten Little Indian Stories. 

2721 Hiawatha and Henry W. Longfel- 

low. 

2730 Twelve Little Indian Stories. 

2716 Bunny Boy. 

2731 The Jenny Wren Book. 

2704 Bob the Cat. 

2723 Whitter and His Snow-Bound. 

2732 The Bluebird Book. 

2717 Thanksgiving Stories. 

2733 Four Favorite Stories. 

2705 The Story of Two Little Rabbits. 

2724 The Three Misses Cottontail and 

King Rabbit. 

2734 My Shadow, and Other Poems. 

2718 Modern Fables. 

2735 My Treasures, and Other Poems. 

2706 Famous Poems of Famous Poets — 

First and Second Grades. 

2819 Squirrel and Other Animal Stories. 


Second and Third Grades 

No. 

2736 Three Popular Stories. 

2714 The Story of Joseph. 

2807 Beauty and the Beast and Other 
Favorite Fairy Tales. 

2702 Susan Cottontail Stories. 

2802 Cinderella and Other Favorite 

Fairy Tales. 

2715 Robinson Crusoe. 

2738 Stories from Grimm. 

2729 Sixteen Little Indian Stories. 

2809 The Coming of the Christ-Child, 

2709 Our Three Little Sisters and Hia- 

watha. 

2803 Christmas Stories. 

2722 Pussy Willow and othcc Tree 
Stories. 

2740 The Story of Peter Rabbit. 

2710 Stories About Animals. 

2810 The Little Story Reader. 

2711 Mr. and Mrs. Stout of Beaver Dam 

and How JackrabbitLost HisTail. 

2823 Stories About Birds. 

2712 The Tale of Bunny Cottontail — 

Abridged, 

2825 Who Stole the Bird’s Nest, and 

Other Poems, 

2824 Famous Poems of Famous Poets^- 

For Third Grade. 

2826 The Robin Redbreast Book. 

2812 The Toyland of Santa Claus. 

2827 The Chickadee Book. 

2828 Brownie’s Ride and Brownie and 

the Cook. 

2829 Escape at Bedtime, and Other 

Poems. 

2830 My Ship and I, and Other Poems. 


PUBLISHED BY 

A. FLANAGAN 

©Cl A 6 9029 4 CHICAGO 



NOM 20 


THE STORIES QF ROBIN HOOD 

Edited by N.^MOOlRE BANTA 
Copyright, 1922, by A. Flanagan Co. 

ROBIN HOOD 

Robin Hood has been famous for hundreds of years ; 
there are many songs and stories about him which 
the people have sung and told, but there is some doubt 
as to whether or not such a man really lived. History 
has nothing to say about him. 

According to tradition, however, his name was Rob- 
ert Fitzooth, which was shortened to Robin Hood. His 
title was the Earl of Huntingdon. He was born about 
1160 A. D. at Locksley in Nottingham. As a boy he 
was wild and extravagant, and when he was outlawed 
for debt he found an asylum in the forests,^ Barns- 
dale in Yorkshire and Sherwood in Nottingham. Here 
he found, or was followed, by a number of other 
young men in similar circumstances, and this com- 
pany came to consist of one hundred skillful archers 
whom not four times their number dared attack^/ His 
method of finding recruits is told in numerous stories, 
as in “Robin Hood and Little John.” 

He reigned like a sovereign, perpetually at war 
with the English king. He paid allegiance to no one. 

The forest was his home, and in it he found the 
king’s deer for food and the fuel for cooking itj what- 
ever else he needed he easily procured, taking it from 
the wealthy people who passed his territory, or 
through commerce with neighboring towns. 

It is true that he robbed people frequently, but he 
took only from rich men, never killing any person, 
unless the party attacked or resisted him or his men. 

1 


He never took things from the poor but rather cared 
for them with the wealth taken from the rich. He 
lived a free and independent life, loved by all the 
common people. , ^ 

After he had lived an outlaw for many years a 
proclamation was issued offering a reward for him 
dead or alive, but that was not any more successful 
than other attempts to capture him. 

“There is no one of the royal heroes of England 
that enjoys a more enviable reputation. (^This gives 
one some idea of his fame, which began more than 
five hundred years ago, and was constantly increas- 
ing for two or three centuries, until it extended to 
all classes of society. Bishops, sheriffs and game- 
keepers were the only enemies Robin Hood seemed to 
have had,(and these have long since relinquished their 
ancient grudges. English men everywhere seem to 
regard his exploits as an important part of their 
national glory. His free life in the woods, his unerr- 
ing eye and strong arm, his open hand and love of 
fair play, his never-forgotten courtesy, his respect 
for women and devotion to Mary, form a picture emi- 
nently healthful and agreeable to the imagination, 
and commend him to the hearty favor of genial minds. 

“Securely established in popular esteem as Robin 
Hood seems to be, there are and have been many 
doubts as to who he was, or whether there ever was 
a real and true Robin Hood. The only data for 
tracing his origin consists of more or less ballads of 
unknown antiquity. These evidently are the author- 
ity upon which early writers founded ^eir state- 
ments of Robin Hood. ‘A tale of Robin feod’ is an 
old proverb which found its way into our literature 
*2 


when reference was made to improbable or idle stories. 

“These ballads seem to be the original source of 
the widespread traditions concerning Robin Hood, 
these traditions seem to have been suggested by 
the very legends to which in general belief they af- 
ford an irresistible confirmation. 

“The age of Robin Hood, as agreed by different 
writers, ranges from the time of Richard I to near 
the end of the reign of Edward II. ^Except in the 
ballads themselves no mention is made of Robin Hood 
before the latter half of the reign of Edward III.” 

Wishing to be cured of an illness in his old age 
Robin Hood went to Kirkley Hall to be bled, and was 
treacherously allowed to bleed to death. According 
to tradition that was on November 18, 1247, when 
Robin Hood was 87 years old. 

After his death his company seems to have been 
completely separated. He had the distinction of hav- 
ing a festival allotted to him, and solemn games, which 
even kings and grave magistrates of Scotland and 
England celebrated, were held in honor of his name. 
His bow, and one of his arrows, his chair, his cap 
and one of his slippers, were preserved until the nine- 
teenth century, and the places where he found his 
amusement or his security, still retain his name. 


ROBIN HOOD AND LITTLE JOHN 

When Robin Hood was about twenty years old. 
He happened to meet Little John, 

A jolly brisk blade, right fit for the trade. 

For he was a lusty young man. 

3 


Though he was called Little, his limbs they were large, 
And his stature was seven foot high; 

Wherever he came, they quaked at his name. 

For soon he would make them to fly. 

How they came acquainted I’ll tell you in brief. 

If you would but listen awhile; 

For this very jest, among all the rest, 

I think it may cause you to smile. 

For Robin Hood said to his jolly bowmen, 

‘ ^ Pray tarry you here in this grove ; 

And see that you all observe well my call, 

While through the forest I rove. 

‘‘We have had no sport for these fourteen long days, 
Therefore now abroad will I go; 

Now should I be beat, and can not retreat. 

My horn I will presently blow. ’ ’ 

Then did he shake hands with his merry men all. 

And bid them at present good-bye ; 

Then, as near the brook his journey he took, 

A stranger he chanced to espy. 

They happened to meet on a long narrow bridge, 

And neither of them would give way; 

Quoth bold Robin Hood, and sturdily stood, 

“I’ll show you right Nottingham play.” 

With that from his quiver an arrow he drew, 

A broad arrow with a goose wing; 

The stranger replied, “I’ll liquor thy hide. 

If thou offer to touch the string.” 

4 


Quoth bold Robin Hood, ‘ ‘ Thou dost prate like an ass, 
For were I to bend but my bow, 

I could send a dart quite through thy proud heart, 
Before thou couldst strike me one blow.” 

‘‘Thou talk’st like a coward,” the stranger replied; 
“Well armed with a long bow you stand. 

To shoot at my breast, while I, I protest. 

Have nought but a staff in my hand.” 

‘ ‘ The name of a coward, ’ ’ quoth Robin, ‘ ‘ I scorn. 
Therefore my long bow I’ll lay by; 

And now, for thy sake, a staff will I take. 

The truth of thy manhood to try.” 

Then Robin Hood stepped to a thicket of trees. 

And chose him a staff of ground oak; 

Now this being done, away he did run 
To the stranger, and merrily spoke : 

“Lo! see my staff is lusty and tough, 

Now here on the bridge we will play; 

Whoever falls in, the other shall win 
The battle, and so we’ll away.” 

“With all my whole heart,” the stranger replied, 

“I scorn in the least to give out;” 

This said, they fell to’t without more dispute. 

And their staffs they did flourish about. 

At first Robin he gave the stranger a bang. 

So hard that he made his bones ring; 

The stranger he said, “This must be repaid. 

I’ll give you as good as you bring. 

5 


“So long as I am able to handle a staff, 

To die in your debt, friend, I scorn.’' 

Then to it each goes, and followed their blows. 

As if they’d been threshing of corn. 

The stranger gave Robin a crack on the crown, 
Which caused the blood to appear; 

Then Robin enraged, more fiercely engaged, 

And followed his blows more severe. 

So thick and so fast did he lay it on him 
With a passionate fury and ire; 

At every stroke he made him to smoke. 

As if he had been all on fire. 

0 then into fury the stranger he grew, 

And gave him a terrible look. 

And with it a blow, that laid him full low. 

And tumbled him into the brook. 

“I prithee, good fellow, 0 where art thou now?” 
The strange in laughter he cried ; 

Quoth bold Robin Hood, “Good faith, in the fiood. 
And fioating along with the tide. 

“I needs must acknowledge thou art a brave soul. 
With thee I’ll no longer contend; 

For needs must I say, thou hast got the day. 

Our battle shall be at an end.” 

Then unto the bank he did presently wade. 

And pulled himself out by a thorn ; 

Which done, at the last he blowed a loud blast 
Straightway on his fine bugle horn. 

6 


The echo of which through the valleys did fly, 

At which his stout bowmen appeared 
All clothed in green, most gay to be seen. 

So up to their master they steered. 

“0, what’s the matter?” quoth William Stutely, 
“Good master, you are wet to the skin.” 

“No matter,” quoth he, “the lad which you see 
In fighting hath tumbled me in.” 

“He shall not go scot-free,” the others replied; 

So straight they were seizing him there 
To duck him likewise; but Robin Hood cried, 

“He is a stout fellow; forbear. 

“There’s no one shall wrong thee, friend, be not 
afraid ; 

These bowmen upon me do wait ; 

There ’s three-score and nine ; if thou wilt be mine. 
Thou shalt have my livery straight. 

“And other accoutrements fit for a man; 

Speak up, jolly blade, never fear; 

I’ll teach you also the use of the bow, 

To shoot at the fat fallow deer.” 

“0, here is my hand,” the stranger replied, . 

“ I ’ll serve you with all my whole heart ; 

My name is J ohn Little, a man of good mettle ; 

Ne’er doubt me, for I’ll play my part.” 

“His name shall be altered,” quoth William Stutely, 
“And I will his godfather be; 

7 


Prepare then a feast, and none of the least, 

For we will be merry/’ quoth he. 

They presently fetched him a brace of fat does, 
With humming strong liquor likewise ; 

They loved what was good ; so, in the green wood. 
This pretty sweet babe they baptized. 

He was, I must tell you, but seven foot high. 
And maybe an ell in the waist; 

A sweet pretty lad ; much feasting they had ; 
Bold Robin the christening graced. 

With all his bowmen, which stood in a ring. 

And were of the Nottingham breed; 

Brave Stutely came then, with seven yeomen, 
And did in this manner proceed: 

“This infant was called John Little,” quoth he, 
“Which name shall be changed anon; 

The words we’ll transpose; so wherever he goes, 
His name shall be called Little John.” 

They all with a shout made the elements ring; 
So soon as the office was o’er 

To feasting they went with true merriment. 
And tippled strong liquor galore. 

Then Robin he took the pretty sweet babe. 

And clothed him from top to the toe, 

Tn garments of green, most gay to be seen. 

And gave him a curious long bow. 

8 


“Thou shalt be an archer, as well as the best, 
And range in the green wood with us ; 

Where well not want gold nor silver, behold. 
While bishops have ought in their purse. 

“We live here like squires, or lords of renown. 
Without a foot of free land; 

We feast on good cheer, with wine, ale and beer. 
And everything at our command.^’ 

Then music and dancing did finish the day; 

At length, when the sun waxed low. 

Then all the whole train the grove did refrain. 
And unto their caves they did go. 

And so, ever after, as long as he lived. 
Although he was proper and tall. 

Yet, nevertheless, the truth to express. 

Still Little John they did him call. 

ROBIN HOOD’S CHASE 

Come you, gallants all, to you I do call. 

That now are in this place; 

For a song I will sing of Henry the king. 

How he did Robin Hood chase. 

Queen Katherine she a match did make. 

As plainly doth appear. 

For three hundred tun of good red wine. 

And three hundred tun of beer. ^ 

But yet her archers she had to seek. 

With their bows and arrows so good ; 

9 


But her mind it was bent with a good intent, 

To send for bold Eobin Hood. 

But when bold Robin he came there, 

Queen Katherine she did say, 

“Thou art welcome, Locksley,” said the queen, 
“And all thy yeomen gay. 

“For a match of shooting I have made. 

And thou on my part must be,” 

“If I miss the mark, be it light or dark. 

Then hanged I will be.” 

But when the game came to be played. 

Bold Robin he then drew nigh, 

With his mantle of green, most brave to be seen. 
He let his arrows fly. 

And when the game it ended was 
Bold Robin won it with a grace ; 

But after the king was angry with him. 

And vowed he would him chase. 

What though his pardon granted was. 

While he with him did stay; 

But yet the king was vexed at him, 

When he was gone his way. 

Soon after the king from the court did hie. 

In a furious angry mood. 

And often inquired both far and near 
After bold Robin Hood. 

10 


But when the king to Nottingham came, 

Bold Robin was in the moor; 

‘‘O, come now,” said he, “and let me see 
Who can find me bold Robin Hood. ’ ’ 

But when that bold Robin he did hear 
The king had him in chase. 

Then said Little John, “ Tis time to be gone, 

And go to some other place.” 

And away they went from merry Sherwood, 

And into Yorkshire he did hie; 

And the king did follow, with a hoop and a hallow, 
But could not come him nigh. 

Yet jolly Robin he passed along, 

And went straight to Newcastle town; 

And there he stayed hours two or three, 

And then to Barwick is gone. 

When the king did see how Robin did flee, 

He was vexed wondrous sore; 

With a hoop and a hallow he vowed to follow. 

And take him, or never give o’er. 

“Come now, let’s away,” then cries Little John, 

‘ ‘ Let any man follow that dare ; 

To Carlisle we’ll hie, with our company, 

And so then to Lancaster.” 

From Lancaster then to Chester they went. 

And so did King Henry; 

But Robin went away, for he durst not stay, 

For fear of some treachery. 

11 


Says Robin, “Come, let us for London go 
To see our noble queen’s face. 

It may be she wants our company. 

Which makes the king so us chase.” 

When Robin he came Queen Katherine before 
He fell low upon his knee: 

“If it please your grace, I am come to this place 
For to speak with King Henry.” 

Queen Katherine answered bold Robin again, 

‘ ‘ The king is gone to merry Sherwood ; 

And when he went away to me he did say 
He would go and seek Robin Hood.” 

“Then fare you well, my gracious queen, 

For to Sherwood I will hie apace ; 

For fain would I see what he would with me, 

If I could but meet with his grace.” 

But when King Henry he came home. 

Full weary and vexed in mind. 

And that he did hear Robin had been there. 

He blamed Dame Fortune unkind. 

“You’re welcome home,” Queen Katherine cried, 
“Henry, my sovereign liege; 

Bold Robin Hood, that archer good. 

Your person hath been to seek.” 

But when King Henry he did hear. 

That Robin had been there him to seek. 

This answer he gave, “He’s a cunning knave, 

For I have sought him this whole three weeks,** 
12 


“A boon! A boon!” Queen Katherine cried, 

“I beg it here of your grace 

To pardon his life, and seek not strife;” 

And so endeth ''Robin Hood’s Chase.” 

ROBIN HOOD and THE BISHOP OF HEREFORD 

Some they will talk of bold Robin Hood, 

And some of barons bold ; 

But I’ll tell you how he serv’d the Bishop of Hereford 
When he robbed him of his gold. 

As it befell, in merry Barnsdale, 

All under the greenwood tree, 

The Bishop of Hereford was to come by, 

With all his company. 

"Come, kill a ven’son,” said bold Robin Hood, 
"Come, kill me a good fat deer, 

The Bishop of Hereford is to dine with me today. 
And he shall pay well for his cheer.” 

"We’ll kill a fat ven’son,” said bold Robin Hood, 

' ' And dress it by the highway side ; 

And we will watch the bishop narrowly. 

Lest some other way he should ride.” 

Robin Hood dress’d himself in shepherd’s attire. 
With six of his men also; 

And when the Bishop of Hereford came by. 

They about the fire did go. 

"0 what is the matter?” then said the bishop, 

"Or for whom do you make this ado? 

13 


Or why do you kill the king’s ven’son, 

When your company is so few?” 

‘‘We are shepherds,” said bold Robin Hood, 
“And we keep sheep all the year. 

And we are disposed to be merry this day, 

And to kill of the king’s fat deer.” 

“You are brave fellows!” said the bishop, 

‘ ‘ And the king of your doings shall know : 

Therefore make haste, and come along with me, 
For before the king you shall go. ’ ’ 

“0 pardon, 0 pardon,” said bold Robin Hood, 
“0 pardon, I thee pray; 

For it becomes not your lordship’s coat 
To take so many lives away.” 

“No pardon, no pardon,” said the bishop, 

“No pardon I thee owe; 

Therefore make haste, and come along with me, 
For before the king you shall go.” 

Then Robin set his back against a tree. 

And his foot against a thorn. 

And from underneath his shepherd’s coat 
He pulled out a bugle horn. 

He put the little end to his mouth. 

And a loud blast did he blow, 

’Till three-score and ten of bold Robin’s men 
Came running all in a row. 

14 


All making obeisance to bold Robin Hood; 
^Twas a comely sight for to see. 

“What is the matter, master,” said Little John, 
“That you blow so hastily?” 

“0 here is the Bishop of Hereford, 

And no pardon we shall have.” 

“Cut off his head, master,” said Little John, 
“And throw him into his grave.” 

“0 pardon, 0 pardon,” said the bishop, 

“0 pardon I thee pray; 

For if I had known it had been you, 

I’d have gone some other way.” 

“No pardon, no pardon,” said bold Robin Hood, 
“No pardon I thee owe; 

Therefore make haste, and come along with me. 
For to merry Bamsdale you shall go,” 

Then Robin he took the bishop by the hand, 

And led him to merry Barnsdale; 

He made him to stay and sup with him that night. 
And to drink wine, beer and ale. 

“Call in a reckoning,” said the bishop, 

“For methinks it grows wondrous high.” 

“Lend me your purse, master,” said Little John, 
“And I’ll tell you bye and bye.” 

Then Little John took the bishop ’s cloak. 

And spread it upon the ground. 

And out of the bishop’s portmanteau 
He told three hundred pound. 

15 


‘‘Here’s money enough, master,” said Little John, 
“And, a comely sight ’tis to see; 

It makes me in charity with the bishop, 

Though he heartily loveth not me.” 

Robin Hood took the bishop by the hand, 

And he caused the music to play; 

And he made the old bishop to dance in his boots. 
And glad he could so get away. 

ROBIN HOOD AND ALLIN A DALE 

Come listen to me, you gallants so free. 

All you that love mirth for to hear. 

And I will tell you of a bold outlaw 
That lived in Nottinghamshire. 

As Robin Hood in the forest stood, 

All under the green wood tree,. 

There he was aware of a brave young man. 

As fine as fine might be. 

The youngster was clothed in scarlet red, 

In scarlet fine and gay; 

And he did frisk it over the plain. 

And chanted a round-de-lay. 

As Robin Hood next morning stood 
Amongst the leaves so gay. 

There did he espy the same young man 
Come drooping along the way. 

The scarlet he wore the day before 
It was clean cast away; 

16 


And at every step he fetched a sigh, 

“Alack and a well a day.” 

Then stepped forth brave Little John, 

And Midge, the miller’s son. 

Which made the young man bend his bow, 

When as he saw them come. 

“Stand off, stand off,” the young man said, 

“What is your will with me?” 

“You must come before our master straight 
Under yon green wood tree.” 

And when he came bold Kobin before, 

Robin asked him courteously, 

“0, hast thou any money to spare 
For my merry men and me ? ” . 

‘ ‘ I have no money, ’ ’ the young man said, 

“But five shillings and a ring; 

And that I have kept this seven long years, 

To have it at my wedding. 

“Yesterday I should have married a maid. 

But she was from me ta’en. 

And chosen to be an old knight’s delight. 

Whereby my poor heart is slain.” 

“What is thy name?” then said Robin Hood, 

“Come tell me, without any fail,” 

“By the faith of my body,” then said the young man, 
“My name it is Allin a Dale.” 

17 


“What will thou give me,” said Robin Hood, 

“In ready gold or fee. 

To help thee to thy true love again. 

And deliver her unto thee?” 

“I have no money,” then quoth the young man, 

“No ready gold nor fee. 

But I will swear upon the book 
Thy true servant for to be.” 

“How many miles is it to thy true love? 

Come tell me without any guile.” 

“By the faith of my body,” then said the young man, 
“It is but five little mile.” 

Then Robin he hasted over the plain, 

He did neither stop nor stay 

Until he came unto the church. 

Where Allin should keep his wedding. 

“What hast thou here?” the bishop then said, 

“I prithee now tell unto me.” 

“I am a bold harper,” quoth Robin Hood, 

“And the best in the north country.” 

“0 welcome, 0 welcome,” the bishop he said, 

“That music best pleaseth me.” 

“You shall have no music,” quoth Robin Hood, 
“Till the bride and the bridegroom I see.” 

With that came in a wealthy knight, 

Which was both grave and old, 

And after him a fine, spruce lass, 

Did shine like the glistering gold. 

18 


* ‘ This is not a fit match, ’ ’ quoth bold Robin Hood, 
“That you do seem to make here, 

For since we are come into the church 
The bride shall choose her own dear.’’ 

Then Robin Hood put his horn to his mouth. 
And blew blasts two or three; 

When four and twenty bowmen bold 
Came leaping over the lee. 

And when they came into the church yard. 
Marching all in a row, 

The first man was Allin a Dale, 

To give Robin his bow. 

“This is thy true love,” Robin he said, 
“Young Allin, as I hear say. 

And you shall be married at this same time. 
Before we depart away.” 

“That shall not be,” the bishop he said, 

“For thy word shall not stand; 

They shall be three times asked in the church. 
As the law is of our land. ’ ’ 

Robin Hood pulled olf the bishop’s coat, 

And put it upon Little John; 

“By the faith of my body,” then Robin said, 
“This cloth does make thee a man.” 

When Little John went into the quire 
The people began to laugh; 

He asked them seven times in the church. 

Lest three times should not be enough. 

19 


“Who gives this maid?” said Little John; 

Quoth Robin Hood, “That do I; 

And he that takes her from Allin a Dale, 

Full dearly he shall her buy.” 

And thus having ended this merry wedding, 

The bride looked like a queen ; 

And so they returned to the merry green wood 
Amongst the leaves so green. 

ROBIN HOOD AND THE RANGER 

When Phoebus had melted the ’sickles of ice, 

And likewise the mountains of snow. 

Bold Robin Hood he would ramble away, 

To frolic abroad with his bow. 

He left all his merry men waiting behind, 

Whilst through the green valleys he passed. 

Where he did behold a forester bold, 

Who cried out, “Friend, whither so fast?” 

“I am going,” quoth Robin, “to kill a fat buck 
For me and my merry men all ; 

Besides, ere I go. I’ll have a fat doe. 

Or else it shall cost me a fall.” 

“You’d best have a care,” said the forester then, 
“For these are his majesty’s deer; 

Before you shall shoot, the thing I ’ll dispute. 

For I am head forester here.” 

“These thirteen long summers,” quoth Robin, “I’ 
sure, 


20 


My arrows I here have let fly, 

Where freely I range; methinks it. is strange 
You should have more* power than I.’’ 

‘ ‘ This forest, ’ ^ quoth Eobin, ‘ ‘ I think is my own. 
And so are the nimble deer, too; 

Therefore I declare, and solemnly swear, 

111 not be affronted by you.’^ 

The forester he had a long quarter-staff. 
Likewise a broad sword by his side ; 

Without more ado, he presently drew. 

Declaring the truth should be tried. 

Bold Robin Hood had a sword of the best. 
Thus, ere he would take any wrong, 

His courage was flush, he’d venture a brush. 
And thus they fell to it, ding dong. 

The very first blow that the forester gave, 

He made his broad weapon cry twang; 

’Twas over the head, he fell down for dead, 

0 that was a terrible bang! 

But Robin he soon recovered himself. 

And bravely fell to it again ; 

The very next stroke their weapons they broke. 
Yet never a man there was slain. 

At quarter-staff then they resolved to play, 
Becau-se they would have the other bout; 

And brave Robin Hood right valiantly stood. 
Unwilling he was to give out. 

21 


Bold Robin he gave him very hard blows, 

The other returned them as fast; 

At every stroke their jackets did smoke; 

Three hours the combat did last. 

At length in a rage the forester grew, 

And cudgeled bold Robin so sore. 

That he could not stand, so shaking his hand, 

He cried, ‘ ‘ Let us freely give o ’er. 

“Thou art a brave fellow, I needs must confess, 

I never knew any so good ; 

Thou art fitting to be a yeoman for me. 

And range in the merry green wood. 

“I’ll give thee this ring as a token of love, 

For bravely thou hast acted thy part ; 

That man that can fight, in him I delight. 

And love him with all my whole heart.” 

Robin Hood set his bugle horn to his mouth, 

A blast then he merrily blows; 

His yeomen did hear, and straight did^ appear 
A hundred with trusty long bows. 

Now Little John came at the head of them all. 
Clothed in a rich mantle of green; 

And likewise the rest were gloriously dressed, 

A delicate sight to be seen ! 

“Lo! these are my yeomen,” said bold Robin Hood, 
“And thou shalt be one of the train; 

A mantle and bow, and quiver also, 

I give them whom I entertain.” 

22 


The forester willingly entered the list, 

They were such a beautiful sight ; 

Then with a long bow they shot a fat doe, 

And made a rich supper that night. 

What singing and dancing was in the green wood. 
For joy of another new mate ! 

With might and delight they spent all the night. 
And lived at a plentiful rate. 

The forester ne’er was so merry before. 

As then he was with these brave souls, 

Who never would fail, in wine, beer or ale. 

To take off their cherishing bowls. 

Then Robin Hood gave him a mantle of green, 

Broad arrows and curious long bow: 

This done, he next day, so gallant and gay. 

He marched them all in a row. 

Quoth he, “My brave yeomen, be true to your trust. 
And then we may range the woods wide.” 

They all did declare, and solemnly swear. 

They would conquer, or die by his side. 

ROBIN HOOD AND THE BUTCHER 

Come, all you brave gallants, listen awhile, 

That are this bower within; 

For of Robin Hood, that archer good, 

A song I intend for to sing. 

Upon a time it chanced so. 

Bold Robin in the forest did ’spy 
23 • 


A jolly butcher with a bonny fine mare, 

With his fiesh to the market did hie. 

“Good morrow, good fellow,’^ said jolly Robin, 
“What food hast thou, tell unto me? 

Thy trade to me tell, and where thou dost dwell. 
For I like well thy company. ’ ’ 

The butcher he answered jolly Robin, 

“No matter where I dwell; 

For a butcher I am, and to Nottingham 
I am going, my flesh to sell.^’ 

“What is the price of thy flesh?’’ said jolly Robin, 
“Come tell it soon unto me; 

And the price of thy mare, be she never so dear. 
For a butcher fain would I be.” 

“The price of my flesh,” the butcher replied, 

‘ ‘ I soon will tell unto thee ; 

With my bonny mare, and they are not too dear. 
Four mark thou must give unto me.” 

“Four mark I will give thee,” saith jolly Robin, 
“Four mark it shall be thy fee; 

The money come count, and let me mount. 

For a butcher I fain would be.’^ 

Now Robin he is to Nottingham gone. 

His butcher’s trade to begin; 

With good intent to the sheriff he went, 

And there he took up his inn. 

24 


When other butchers they opened their meat, 

Bold Robin he then begun; 

But how for to sell he knew not well, 

For a butcher he was but young. 

When other butchers no meat could sell, 

Robin got both gold and fee; 

For he sold more meat for one penny 
Than others could do for three. 

But when he sold his meat so fast, 

No butcher by him could thrive ; 

For he sold more meat for one penny 
Than others could do for five. 

Which made the butchers of Nottingham 
To study as they did stand, 

Saying, “Surely he is some prodigal. 

That hath sold his father’s land.” 

The butchers stepped to jolly Robin, 

Acquainted with him for to be ; 

“Come, brother,” one said, “we be all of one trade. 
Come, will you go dine with me?” 

“Accursed of his heart,” said jolly Robin, 

“That a butcher doth deny; 

I will go with you, my brethren true. 

As fast as I can hie.” 

But when to the sheriff’s house they came. 

To dinner they hied apace. 

And Robin Hood he the man must be 
Before them all to say grace. 

25 


“Pray God bless us all,” said jolly Robin, 

‘ ‘ And our meat within this place ; 

A cup of sack so good will nourish our blood : 

And so I do end my grace.” 

“Come fill us more wine,” said jolly Robin, 

“Let us be merry while we do stay; 

For wine and good cheer, be it never so dear, 

I vow I the reckoning will pay. ’ ’ 

“Come, brothers, be merry,” said jolly Robin, 
“Let us drink, and never give o’er; 

For the shot I will pay, ere I go my way. 

If it cost me five pounds and more.” 

‘ ‘ This is a mad blade, ’ ’ the butchers then said. 

Says the sheriff, “He is some prodigal, 

That some land has sold for silver and gold. 

And now he doth mean to spend all.” 

“Hast thou any horned beasts,” the sheriff replied, 
“Good fellow, to sell unto me?” 

“Yes, that I have, good master sheriff, 

I have hundreds two or three. 

“And a hundred acre of good free land. 

If you please it to see: 

And I ’ll make you as good an assurance of it. 

As ever my father made me.” 

The sheriff he saddled his good palfrey. 

And, with three hundred pound in gold, 

Away he went with bold Robin Hood, 

His horned beasts to behold. 

26 


Away then the sheriff and Robin did ride, 

To the forest of merry Sherwood, 

Then the sheriff did say, ‘ ‘ God bless us this day, 
From a man they call Robin Hood!” 

But when a little farther they came. 

Bold Robin he chanced to spy 

A hundred head of good red deer. 

Come tripping the sheriff full nigh. 

‘ ‘ How like you my horned beasts, good master sheriff ? 
They be fat and fair for to see.” 

“I tell thee, good fellow, I would I were gone. 

For I like not thy company.” 

Then Robin set his horn to his mouth. 

And blew but blasts three; 

Then quickly anon there came Little John, 

And all his company. 

‘"What is your will, master?” then said Little John, 
‘ ‘ Good master, come tell unto me. ^ ’ 

“I have brought hither the sheriff of Nottingham 
This day to dine with thee. ’ ’ 

“He is welcome to me,” then said Little John, 

“I hope he will honestly pay; 

I know he has gold, if it be but well told. 

Will serve us to drink a whole day.” 

Then Robin took his mantle from his back. 

And laid it upon the ground ; 

27 


And out of the sheriff’s portmantle 
He told three hundred pound. 

Then Robin he brought him through the wood. 
And set him on his dapply gray ; 

“0 have me commended to your wife at home.” 
So Robin went laughing away. 


ROBIN HOOD RESCUING THE WIDOW’S 
THREE SONS FROM THE SHERIFF 
WHEN GOING TO BE EXECUTED 

There are twelve months in all the year, 

As I hear many say, 

But the merriest month in all the year 
Is the merry month of May. 

Now Robin Hood is to Nottingham gone 
With a link a down, and a day, 

And there he met a silly old woman, 

Was weeping on the way. 

‘'What news? What news? Thou silly old woman. 
What news hast thou for me?” 

Said she, “There’s three squires in Nottingham town 
To-day are condemned to die.” 

“0, have they parishes burnt?” he said, 

“Or have they ministers slain?” 

“They have no parishes burnt, good sir, 

Nor yet have ministers slain.” 

28 


‘‘Oh, what have they done?” said Robin Hood, 

“I pray thee tell to me.” 

“It’s for slaying of the king’s fallow deer. 
Bearing their long bows with thee.” 

“Dost thou not mind, old woman,” he said, 

‘ ‘ Since thou made me sup and dine ? 

By the truth of my body, ’ ’ quoth bold Robin Hood, 
“You could not tell it in better time.” 

Now Robin Hood is to Nottingham gone. 

With a link, a down and a day. 

And there he met with a silly old palmer, 

Was walking along the highway. 

“What news, what news, thou silly old man. 

What news I do thee pray?” 

Said he, ‘ ‘ Three squires in Nottingham town 
Are condemned to die this day.’^ 

“Come change thy apparel with me, old man. 
Come change thy apparel for mine; 

Here is forty shillings in good silver, 

Go drink it in beer or wine.” 

“0, thine apparel is good,” he said, 

‘ ‘ And mine is ragged and torn ; 

Wherever you go, wherever you ride. 

Laugh ne’er an old man to scorn.” 

“Come change thy apparel with me, old churl. 
Come change thy apparel with mine; 

29 


Here are twenty pieces of good broad gold, 

Go feast thy brethren with wine.’’ 

Then he put on the old man’s hat, 

It stood full high on the crown: 

‘‘The first bold bargain that I come at, 

It shall make thee come down.” 

Then he put on the old man’s cloak. 

Was patched black, blue and red; 

He thought it no shame, all the day long. 

To wear the bags of bread. 

Then he put on the old man’s breeches. 

Was patched from side to side : 

“By the truth of my body,” bold Robin can say, 

‘ ‘ This man loved little pride. ’ ’ 

Then he put on the old man’s hose. 

Were patched from knee to wrist: 

“By the truth of my body,” said bold Robin Hood, 
“I’d laugh if I had any list.” 

Then he put on the old man’s shoes, 

Were patched both beneath and above. 

Then Robin Hood swore a solemn oath, 

“It’s a good habit that makes a man.” 

' Now Robin Hood is to Nottingham gone, 

With a link, a day and a down. 

And there he met with the proud sheriff, 

Was walking along the town. 

30 


‘^0 save, 0 save, 0 sheriff,’’ he said, 

“O save, and you may see, 

And what will you give to a silly old man 
To-day will your hangman be?” 

‘ ' Some suits, some suits, ’ ’ the sheriff he said, 

‘ ‘ Some suits I ’ll give to thee ; 

Some suits, some suits, and pence thirteen. 
To-day’s a hangman’s fee.” 

Then Robin he turns him round about. 

And jumps from stock to stone: 

By the truth of my body,” the sheriff he said, 
^‘That’s well jumped, thou nimble old man.” 

‘ ‘ I was ne ’er a hangman in all my life. 

Nor do I approve the trade; 

But cursed be he,” said bold Robin, 

^‘That first a hangman was made. 

‘^I’ve a bag for meal, and a bag for malt. 

And a bag for barley and corn; 

A bag for bread, and a bag for beef. 

And a bag for my little small horn. 

“I have a horn in my pocket, 

I got it from Robin Hood, 

And still when I set it to my mouth. 

For thee it blows little good.” 

“Oh, wind thy horn, thou proud fellow, 

Of thee I have no doubt; 

I wish that thou give such a blast. 

Till both thy eyes fall out.” 

31 


The first loud blast that he did blow, 

He blew both loud and shrill ; 

A hundred and fifty of Robin Hood’s men 
Came riding over the hill. 

The next loud blast that he did give, 

He blew both loud and amain, 

And quickly sixty of Robin Hood ’s men 
Came shining over the plain. 

‘ ‘ Oh, who are those, ’ ’ the sheriff he said, 

‘‘Come tripping over the lee?” 

“They’re my attendants,” brave Robin did say, 
“They 11 pay a visit to thee.” 

They took the gallows from the low ground ; 

They set it in the glen; 

They hanged the proud sheriff on that ; 

And released their own three men. 



32 


The Little Classic Series 


The most popular works of standard authors and poets 
arranged for use in schools, with introductions, explanatory 
notes, biographical sketches, portraits, and illustrations. 
Also elementary stories of nature, myth, history, industry, 
geography, biography,, and literature. The grading sug- 
gested has been extensively followed by teachers with very 
satisfactory results, but may be varied to suit special 
conditions. 

The books have been carefully edited, are clearly printed on 
good paper, and have extra strong paper cover. Each book 
in the LITTLE CLASSIC SERIES contains thirty-two pages. 


SEVEN CENTS PER COPY 

Twenty Copies for $1.20 


Third and Fourth Grades 

No. 

2831 Aunt Martha’* Corner Cupboard — 

Part I. 

2832 Aunt Martha’s Corner Cupboard — 

Part II. 

2833 Aunt Martha’s Corner Copboard — 

Part III. 

2808 How Little Cedric Became a 
Knigrht. 

2835 The Little Brown Pitcher. 

2737 The Golden Bird and Seven Ravens* 

2836 The Little Brown Man. 

2821 Longfellow and Hiawatha. 

2837 The Queer Little Tailor. 

2815 Stories of Old New England. 

2839 Drakestail and Choosing a King. 
2739 Daff ydowndilly and the Golden 

Touch. 

2903 A Christmas Carol. 

2822 Stories of Sir Launcelot and Other 

King Arthur Stories. 

2840 Story of Leather, Boots and Shoes. 

2816 The Story of a Beehive. 

A 2922 Miss Alcott’s Girls. 

\ 2741 Two Brownie Parties. 

2841 The Story of King Corn, 
i 2817 Stories of ’76. 

2925 The Story of Coal. 

2805 Some of Our Birds. 

2926 The Story of Wheat. 

2818 Arthur, The Hero King. 

2927 The Story of King Cotton, 

2806 King Arthur Stories. 


Fourth and Fifth Grades 

No. 

2928 The Story of Sugar. 

2919 The Story of Daniel Boone. 

2929 The Story of Lumber. 

2913 American Naval Heroes. 

2930 The Story of Iron. 

2834 Little Goody Two Shoes. 

2931 Night Before Christmas and Other 

Christmas Poems. 

2907 Our Pilgrim Forefathers. 

2932 The Story of Granite, Copper and 

Zinc. 

2901 The Story of Abraham Lincoln. 

2933 The Story of Marble and Slate* 

2920 The Story of Washington. 

2934 The Story of Fruit. 

2914 The Story of Benjamin Franklin. 

2935 Norse Heroes. 

2908 A Longfellow Booklet. 

2936 Norse Myths. 

2838 The Bluest of Blue Birds. 

2937 Norse Legends. 

2902 The Norse Seamen and Christo- 

pher Columbus. 

2915 The Story of the Revolution. 

2909 Henry Hudson and Other Explor- 

ers, 

2916 Miss Alcott’s Boys. 

2910 Orioles, Bobolinks and other Birds. 
2923 Famous Poems of Famous Poets — 

For Fourth and Fifth Grades. 

2917 Grace Darling and Florence Night- 

ingale. 


PUBLISHED BY 

A. FLANAGAN COMPANY 

CHICAGO 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 


The Little Class 


0 002 126 052 


The most popular works of standard authors and poets 
arranged for use in schools, with introductions, explanatory 
notes, biographical sketches, portraits, and illustrations. 
Also elementary stories of nature, myth, history, industry, 
geography, biography, and literature. The grading sug- 
gested has been extensively followed by teachers with very 
satisfactory results, but may be varied to suit special 
conditions. 


The books have. been carefully edited, are clearly printed on 
good paper, and have extra strong paper cover. Each book 
in the LITTLE CLASSIC SERIES contains thirty-two pages. 


SEVEN CENTS PER COPY 


Twenty Copies for $1.20 


Fifth and Sixth Grades 

No. 

2938 The Story of Gold and Silver. 

2911 The Story of Jeanne (Joan)D'Arc. 

3020 The Story of Our Flag. 

2923 Famous Poems of Famous Poets — 

For Fourth and Fifth Grades. 

2939 The Story of Oil. 

2905 The Three Golden Apples. 

2940 Longfellow’s Poems. 

2924 The Story of Electricity. 

3002 Rab and His Friends. 

2918 Williani McKinley. 

3021 The Great Stone Face. 

2912 The Discovery of America. 

2943 The Story of Paper, Pens, Pencils, 

etc. 

3019 The Story of Steam. 

2944 The Story of Printing. 

3013 Father Marquette. 

2945 The Story of Newspapers and 

Books. 

3007 The Miraculous Pitcher. 

3025 The Story of Robinhood. 

3001 The Story of La Salle. 

Sixth and Seventh Grades 

No. 

3026 The Story of Motors. 

3014 Famous Poems of Famous Poets — 

For Sixth Grade. 

3016 Rip Van Winkle and Author’s Ac- 
count of Himself. 

3008 The King of The Golden River. 

3027 The Story of Glass. 

2941 The Golden Fleece. 

3028 The Meat-Packing Industry. 

2942 Whittier’s Poems. 

3029 Tennyson’s Poems. 

3015 The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. 

3030 Lamb’s Tales from Shakespeare— 

Part I. 

3031 Lamb’s Tales from Shakespeare — 

Part II. 


No. 

3009 The Pied Piper of Hamlin and 

Other Poems. 

3011 The Song of Hiawatha — Abridged. 

3003 The Snow-Image. 

3032 Primitive Travel and Transporta- 

tion. 

3022 The Courtship of Miles Standish 

3033 The Story of Ships and Shippini'. 
3024 Famous Poems of Famous Poets- 

For Seventh Grade. 

3034 Ocean Routes and Navigation. 

Seventh and Eighth Grades 

No. 

3035 American Railway Systems. 

3018 The Rime of the Ancient Marine 

3010 Evangeline. 

3036 Horatius at the Bridge, and Otl 

Poems. 

3012 The Cotter’s Saturday Night a 

Other Poems. 

3037 Lowell’s Poems. 

3004 Thanatopsis and Other Poems. 

3006 The Deserted Village (Goldsmil 

and Gray’s Elegy. 

3038 Washington’s Farewell Addr^ 

and Other Papers. 

3122 The Vision of Sir Launfal a 
Other Poems. 

3039 Prisoner of Chillon and Oti 

Poems. 

3017 Snow-Bound and the Corn So^.g. 
3115 The Magna Charts. 

3040 Sir Roger De Coverley Papers. 

3041 Carrying the U. S. Mail. 

3108 Speeches by Lincoln. 

3005 Enoch Arden. 

3101 Sohrab and Rustum. 

3042 Navigating the Air — Electric Rail- 

ways. 

3107 Famous Poems of Famous Poets — 
Eighth Grade. 


PUBLISHED BY 

A. FLANAGAN COMPANY 

CHICAGO 






